South Korean military chopper crash kills 3

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

A South Korean military helicopter crash Monday claimed the lives of three crewmembers and left another seriously injured, according to military authorities.

While under investigation against the backdrop of heightened concerns over a potential North Korean attack, the incident is believed to have been an accident.

Officials cited by local news agency Yonhap said the Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopter came down in a field close to a residential area in Gangwon Province shortly after 10 a.m. (0100GMT).

The chopper had been on an inspection flight in the eastern region.

All four of those on board were taken to hospital -- the only survivor, identified as a 50-year-old pilot, is understood to have been conscious.

South Korea's close military partner the United States lost two pilots in an Apache helicopter crash in the South last November.

The allies are set to perform their largest ever military drills this year following North Korea's recent rocket launch and nuclear test.